I have been wearing the same type of clothes for years, same hairstyle too.

I am a receptionist and wear a blouse and slacks every day. I am not good at accessorizing. I cannot wear high heels or pointy toed shoes due to foot problems.

I look nice, but want to look pretty and feminine.

An additional challenge is that I am a size 16/18 in rtw, have a 40DDD chest (I do wear well fitted supporting bras), am 5'4" and am in the middle between aging parents and teen aged kids at 45.

My silhouette is similar to Debbie Cook and Sherril Miller, but a bit heavier. Full bust, thick waist, no width in my hips or thighs, but a definite bum. I have very full upper arms and full inner thighs.

On the plus side I am starting a new job, much closer to home on Monday. So it is a good time to make a change.

I know what I do not like, but I do not how to make what I do like work for me.

Likes:
v-necks
princess seams
fuller skirts
twin sets with a more casual twist
shirt dresses
cardigans
knit vests
pockets - I need pockets
skorts I like short skirts, even though my legs are not my best feature. I love skorts that look like skirts not the ones that are shorts with a flap
3/4 length sleeves

I like some of the retro fuller skirted dresses. The one below is too full

This one may work

Dry cleaning is not an option, but I am willing to hand wash.

I have not worn skirts or dresses regularly for years. I need to find a brand of hosiery that fits my plus sized body with a degree of comfort.

Please help me reinvent myself and dress me pretty.

------Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student

One thing I did a few years ago was find a good hair stylist and then let her lead me into a new fresher style. The funny thing is that I was seeking a stylist about my age (56), and ended up with one about 24, and I think that has turned out much better. She's not making me look silly, just much more up to date and fun, dare I say.....

Congratulations on your new job! I've been slowly defrumping for the last year and a half, after 10 years chasing small children. It's worth the effort.

Not a complete fit, but you may find some inspiration looking through Patty the Snug Bug's reviews: here

She always looks feminine, IMO, and a lot of your likes (and, of course, some of your dislikes) can be found somewhere in her wardrobe. Her silhouette may be a bit different from yours -- you can judge. What I like about Patty is that she really has a 'look,' and it suits her well.

I love knit dresses for work! They are so easy to wear. No matching, comfortable, dressier, plus washable!

There are so many great ones out there but I really like McCalls 5974, Simplicity 2379, and the wonderful but OOP Simplicity 3775. I have a couple of each I rotate through as my "Go-To" dresses when I'm late or just don't feel like putting in too much effort. Great thing is, everyone seems to think I did, just because I'm in a dress! And I feel like I'm wearing my jammies!

I don't have any advice, but I know exactly what you mean. I have some of the same issues.

And I second the request for comfortable hose ideas -- especially tights. I tend not to wear skirts and dresses in the winter because I don't have any comfortable tights. Just My Size used to sell some great cotton tights that fit just right and were much more comfy than nylon, but then they stopped stocking them. The only cotton tights I've found since then have been control top, and that is just what I don't want -- a big elastic band around my midsection, with major muffin top over it!

I would love to see what your current style is and your coloring. FWIW, my recent haircut was an accident but oh, so many people have commented on my youthful appearance. You will have such fun doing this transformation!

I love blouses also and find that an asymmetrical look is slimming. V8120 is a nice work blouse

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